Rwanda Safaris | Rwanda safaris tours
Rwanda is known for its mountain gorilla trekking adventure in the fabled Volcanoes National Park. But because of the country’s close geographical and ecological ties with neighbouring Uganda, many of Rwanda safaris incorporate aspects of both countries.
Rwanda is not just all about trekking with gorillas; other amazing wildlife destinations like the primate-filled Nyungwe Forest offer fantastic chimp treks, excellent hiking, spectacular canopy tours and birding safaris that combine well with a gorilla trek in Volcanoes.
Furthermore, Lake Kivu and Akagera National Park offers everything from breathtaking views to boat cruises to safari game drives (all Big 5 can be seen in Akagera). Our selection of top Rwanda safaris tours also include combinations with some of Kenya and Tanzania’s most popula destinations. Why not combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with the Serengeti, Masai Mara or even Zanzibar?
A Sample Of Our Rwanda Safaris Packages
Our 3 Days Gorilla Trek Uganda Tour via Kigali Rwanda is perfect trip to book if you are short on...
12-day Uganda Rwanda Safari: Trekking for mountain gorillas is understandably heralded as one of the most exhilarating wildlife experiences in...
This 10 days Rwanda safari offers you a great opportunity to tick off three bucket list items in one epic...
This 3 days gorilla tour in Rwanda is the perfect gorilla trekking safari for time-challenged travellers. The gorilla trekking adventure...
Where To Go In Rwanda?
Rwanda is 4th smallest country on the African mainland after Gambia, Eswatini, and Djibouti. Despite the country’s modest size, Rwanda’s breath-taking environment and kind, welcoming people provide one-of-a-kind experiences. With incredible species inhabiting its volcanoes, montane rainforests, and wide savannah plains, you will be sure to encounter many endemic animals on your Rwanda safaris and tours.
At 26,338 km², Rwanda is slightly larger than Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park (20,226 sq km) and and almost all points of interest are about a 4-hour drive from Kigali city. You can expect to walk with wild mountain gorillas, hike towering volcanoes, and relax by the beautiful Lake Kivu.
1. Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is well-known as one of the leading destinations for gorilla trekking in Africa. It is a place where, against so many odds, the highly endangered mountain gorilla has thrived.
And while the gorillas may be the stars, visitors are always blown away by this volcanic landscape’s magnificent scenery and astounding biodiversity. Situated in Rwanda’s northwest corner on the borders of Uganda and DR Congo, this 160km2 gem contains of 5 non-active volcanoes.
2. Nyungwe Forest National Park
The 1,019km2 Nyungwe National Park contains the most extensive protected tract of montane forest in both East and Central Africa. Part of the Albertine Rift with an altitude of 1,600 to 3,000m, this highland forest towers above Lake Kivu and encompasses the watershed between the Congo and Nile Rivers. Some people believe it is the most distant source of the Nile River.
In terms of wildlife, Nyungwe Forest is home a variety of birds, rare butterflies and beautiful orchids. However, the stars of the show are the 13-primate species – including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s owl-faced and colobus monkeys – that make the park their playground.
Besides spectacular hiking trails and breathtaking views, the Nyungwe Forest canopy walk is a perfect way to spotting blue monkeys living in the treetops.
3. Akagera National Park
Located in eastern Rwanda about 3-hour drive from Kigali, Akagera has established itself as a destination on the rise. It is Rwanda’s only park where you can see the Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhino). The park is also where the tropical forests of Central Africa give way to the dry savannahs of East Africa.
In addition to guided game drives, Akagera National Park also offers private boat tours, sunset cruises, walking safaris and night drives.
4. Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu is located on the western boarder of Rwanda. It is a massive expanse of water ringed by green hills that offer excellent hiking and bird watching. Lake Kivu has also become a benchmark for the unmatched scenery you’ll encounter at the top Rwanda safari destinations.
Here you can stay at Gisenyi, a small town on the northern shore from which you can enjoy kayaking or a boat cruise. Lake Kivu is a peaceful place to get over jetlag from a long-haul flight or to relax after the relatively difficult gorilla trek and the many other incredible Rwanda safaris tours.
5. Kigali City
Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda. It is also entry and exit point for gorilla trekking tours. You ‘ll fly in from East Africa’s logistics hubs such as Nairobi or Entebbe and, depending on your Rwanda safari itinerary, will either transfer straight to the wildlife parks or overnight in this safe city for immersive and captivating Kigali city tours on offer. Kigali is both clean and safe.
Once a month on the ‘Umuganda Day’, residents engage in mandatory cleaning of all aspects of the city. As a means of combatting pollution and litter, all forms of plastic bags are prohibited in Rwanda. A full day in Kigali will allow you time to visit the Genocide Memorial, which is both moving and inspiring, and to see the ‘old’ and ‘new’ parts of the capital – a notable and rewarding, must-visit tourist Rwanda safari attractions.